BMA and the union’s single bargaining unit – led by the powerful Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union – are keen to put hostilities over the Queensland incident behind them and conclude their protracted two-year enterprise bargaining campaign.

“Some media reports included out-of-date-details of legal action between BMA and the CFMEU,” a company spokesman told ILN.

“The legal action relates to mine shutdowns in 2010. We are pleased to advise that the CFMEU and BMA are in amicable discussions to resolve this outstanding legal action in the near future.”

Coal miners at BMA mines will vote next month on a pay deal as talks between the miner and the union come to a close.

The union will be taking a broader economic approach to improving work conditions and wages for members.

National secretary Michael O’Connor said the CFMEU national conference was being held in the national capital because it was the union’s wish to take the economic debate to Australia’s leaders.

“This conference sees the union the most united it has been in its entire history,” he said. “We can all see the impact the mining boom is having on mining communities as well as its distorting effect on other parts of the economy, such as manufacturing and construction.”

“Over the next few days the CFMEU will chart a course to increase its impact on significant national economic debates.

“We want to ensure that the voices of our members and their families and communities are heard in Canberra and around the country.”

ANU academic Paul Cleary topped the list of conference speakers, discussing the influence of the mining sector on Australia’s economics.